UMaine researchers take students to Chile to study forest industries

ORONO, Maine — Two researchers from the University of Maine Forest Bioproducts Research Institute are taking 10 undergraduate students from across the country to Chile for a weeklong immersion into the field sustainable forest bioproducts.

The students, who come from 10 different colleges and universities across the United States and its territories from Maine to Puerto Rico, are taking part in a summer-long National Science Foundation “research experience,” according to a UMaine press release.

The program has been under way at UMaine throughout the summer, with students assisting faculty with their research and learning more about forest bioproducts and sustainability, specifically in the areas of life cycle analysis, feedstock extraction, nanomaterial production and new product development .

The group left on a flight from Bangor International Airport on Friday.

While in Chile, the students will take field trips to forest products manufacturing facilities and into Chilean forests.

Students will present what they have learned and the results of their work when they videoconference back to UMaine on Aug. 9.